Where are you located? I used to work for a mosaic company in FL. What you're looking for is very inexpensive, especially if you're doing it as you build. We worked with lots of builders in FL and across the country, and sold retail. Small pieces like you describe were really, really inexpensive, though I don't know what your builder would charge to install. Just so no one thinks I'm trying to sell something (especially since I don't work there anymore!) PM me if you want the company's website just so you can see - but starfish, beach balls, seahorses, shells, those types of pieces that people do on shelves and such were under $10 a piece for the ceramic itself.